BJJ
Stroke
Documentary
A documentary exploring the real and underreported risk of stroke and cervical artery dissection in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — told through the voices of survivors, medical experts, and the community fighting to make the sport safer.
The Mat Can Be Dangerous — The Community Deserves to Know.
Why This Film Exists
It Started on the Mat
In 2017, Martial Artrepreneur founder Chris Martin suffered a carotid artery dissection during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training — a stroke caused by choke technique. He experienced the warning signs firsthand: blurry vision, sudden headaches, vertigo. He survived. Not everyone does.
That experience didn't just change how Chris trains. It changed what he felt obligated to do. Cervical artery dissection — stroke caused by chokes and neck torque — is a real, documented, and dangerously underreported risk in BJJ. Most practitioners, coaches, and gym owners have never heard of it. This documentary changes that.
Chris has since co-contributed to peer-reviewed medical research on BJJ-related vascular injuries. In 2022, he began production on this film — taking the science out of the journal and into the gym, told through the stories of the people who lived it. Production is ongoing.
"I had blurry vision, a headache I couldn't explain, and vertigo after rolling. I didn't know what was happening. Most people in that situation don't. That's the problem — and that's why this film has to exist."
— Chris Martin, Founder & Director
The Journey
Production Timeline
This film has been years in the making — because getting it right matters more than getting it done fast.
Chris Martin suffers a carotid artery dissection during BJJ training — a stroke caused by choke technique. The experience that started everything.
Documentary production begins. Chris starts documenting survivor stories, reaching out to medical experts, and building the framework for the film.
Co-contribution to peer-reviewed medical research on BJJ-related vascular injuries published. The science behind the documentary is validated.
On-location interviews conducted across the country. Gym owners, athletes, and medical professionals share their experiences on camera.
Production ongoing. Additional survivor accounts gathered. Medical expert commentary recorded. Post-production in progress.
Warning Signs of Carotid Dissection
These symptoms can appear during or after training — especially following choke exchanges or neck torque. If you or a training partner experience any of these, stop immediately and seek emergency care.
Sudden severe headache
Often described as "the worst headache of your life" — can occur during or after choke attempts
Blurry or double vision
Visual disturbances following neck torque or sustained choke pressure
Vertigo or dizziness
Unexplained spinning sensation after rolling, especially after choke exchanges
Neck pain or stiffness
Localized pain along the carotid or vertebral artery following training
Facial drooping or weakness
One-sided facial changes — a classic stroke warning sign that demands immediate emergency care
Slurred speech
Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding language following a training session
If in doubt, call 911. Cervical artery dissection can present hours or even days after the triggering event. Do not dismiss symptoms as "just a headache" after rolling.
What We're Building
Four Pillars of the Film
Survivor Stories
First-person accounts from BJJ practitioners who have experienced strokes or cervical artery dissections — their journey from the mat to recovery and back. Including Chris Martin's own 2017 carotid dissection during training.
Medical Expert Interviews
On-camera conversations with neurologists, vascular surgeons, and sports medicine physicians who specialize in BJJ-related vascular injuries and cervical artery dissection.
Community Awareness
Bringing critical safety information to gym owners, coaches, and athletes across the combat sports world. Recognizing warning signs: blurry vision, sudden headaches, vertigo after chokes.
Published Research
Grounded in co-contributed peer-reviewed medical research on cervical artery dissections associated with choke techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — science meets storytelling.
Peer-Reviewed Medical Research
The Science Behind the Film
Chris Martin co-contributed to published peer-reviewed medical research specifically examining cervical artery dissections associated with choke techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The research documents the mechanism of injury, the clinical presentation, and the underreporting problem within the BJJ community.
This documentary is the bridge between that clinical research and the people who need to hear it most — the athletes, coaches, and gym owners on the mat every day. The science is real. The risk is real. The film makes it accessible.
Get Involved
Have a Story to Tell?
If you or someone you know has experienced a stroke or vascular injury related to BJJ training, we want to hear from you. Survivors, coaches, medical professionals, and gym owners — your voice matters in this film. Production is ongoing and we are still gathering accounts.
Share Your Story